#fort mifflin

[meerawrites]

Fort Mifflin, 2024.

[weirdestbooks]

The Shot Heard Around the World Chapter 32

Fight For The Forts (Wattpad | Ao3)

Table of Contents | Prev | Next

October 22, 1777

Saratoga had changed everything. United States had never felt more confident in his ability to win against his father. For he had captured a British army, something no one had done before. His northern border was no longer under threat, and that meant he could return his focus to the battles around Philadelphia. 

He tried to, at least. He really did try. But almost against his will, his mind kept wandering back to the other news surrounding the loss of Saratoga.

How his cousin and her son were now prisoners of war. United States knew it was unlikely that they would be allowed to leave and return to his father, too valuable as prisoners of war. It worried United States.

He didn’t think his people would hurt them, but…

“You’re afraid of losing them,” James said. United States hummed and nodded.

Nova Scotia was one of his best friends. United States had never wanted to lose her. He just hoped she would understand that this was war and he didn’t have a choice. He knew he would visit her as soon as the winter set and the fighting calmed.

Hopefully, that would allow any anger she might hold towards United States to dissipate. 

He hoped.

“She loves us. I…I don’t think she will be blinded by anger,” Virginia said, her voice light. United States sighed. He hoped Virginia was right.

Still, there were more important concerns than the worries he held and the drafts of letters for Nova Scotia that he had abandoned in his tent.

Hessians were attacking Fort Mercer.

United States knew why they were attacking the fort. United States’ people had been using them to keep the British ships out of the Delaware River and away from Philadelphia. So long as they remained, Father would have a logistical nightmare on his hands. 

Both United States and his father knew that.

However, United States was not one of the defenders of Fort Mercer, as he served at General Washington’s side. So, instead of defending the fort from the fort, United States had gotten permission to be on one of the gunboats in the area, a boat that was now preparing to provide Fort Mercer with support fire.

“I still think I should be allowed to fight this battle,” Connecticut said, a hint of bitterness in his voice. United States knew his son was frustrated and wanted to be able to fight, but…United States wanted to fight in the few battles that he could, the ones where his father was not looming across the battlefield like a malevolent spectator.

It also gave him a small amount of pride. His father had always been proud of his command of the sea. United States wanted to undermine that.

There were very few alternative methods for undermining his father.

So, despite Connecticut’s pleading, United States remained in command of the body as the defenders of Fort Mercer drove off the Hessian attackers. 

It wasn’t until he saw them all withdraw that United States let out a sigh of relief. He still controlled the Delaware River.

If he wanted to cause his father as many problems as he could during his father’s occupation, United States needed to keep that control.

He only hoped that he would be able to. The British still had Fort Mifflin besieged, and skirmishes for that fort were ongoing.

He needed to keep these forts. He had to win these battles.

• ───────────────── •

November 16, 1777

Britain had made himself comfortable in Philadelphia. He deserved to, after all that Thirteen Colonies’ rebellion had done to him and his family. He earned a respite from the fighting, a chance to handle more important issues as he chased the fleeting hope that Thirteen Colonies would return to his side willingly. 

His choice was mainly influenced by the news of the capture of Nova Scotia and St. John’s Island. Britain had never seen Scotland so worried and frazzled, and it scared him. Scotland still had far more faith in Thirteen Colonies than Britain did, but Scotland had no faith in the rebels.

It didn’t help that they had received no letters or updates besides the news that they had been captured.

The rebels now had a powerful bargaining chip, and no matter how heartless people might call Britain, he wasn’t going to risk the safety of Nova Scotia and St. John’s Island. He didn’t know if or when they were going to be used against him, but Britain had no doubt they would be.

It was what made him more convinced than ever that Thirteen Colonies was either lost in delusions of grandeur and independence or being held against his will by the rebels, as Britain knew his son would not risk the safety of someone he was so close to. 

Of course, they could now be used as blackmail to keep Thirteen Colonies fighting in a foolish rebellion.

The entire situation worried Britain. 

A knock on the door of his room had Britain looking up from a letter to England, and, sighing loudly, Britain went to get the door. As he walked to the door, he smoothed the wrinkles from his shirt, hoping it was news that could put his worried mind to ease.

Opening the door, Britain was met with a scared-looking messenger.

“He–hello, your holiness. I have a message from the—from the soldiers who were besieging Fort Mifflin,” the boy said, holding out the letter, arm shaking slightly. Britain took the letter, smiling slightly.

“Thank you. You’re dismissed.” The boy’s arm dropped, and he quickly rushed away, causing Britain to let out a little laugh as he opened the letter.

“Humans,” he muttered, shaking his head, before reading the letter. His eyes widened in excitement as he read it before he quickly left the room, marching to Scotland’s room.

Scotland needed to know. It might help soothe at least some of his mind.

“Scotland, I have news!” Britain said as he entered. Scotland’s ears perked up, excitement in his eyes as he turned to face Britain.

“Is it about Scotia or Eoin?” he asked, hopeful. Britain’s shook his head, and Scotland’s face crumbled.

“I’m sorry, it isn’t. But it is still good news. We have captured one of the rebel forts blocking the Delaware, securing our position here in Philadelphia,” Britain said, but the news didn’t seem to do much to cheer Scotland up. Britain frowned, voice softening. “We’ll get them back. I promise.”

“I know. I have faith,” Scotland said, “I just worry. Eoin is too young to be caught up in this nonsense, and you know how soldiers will sometimes treat women.”

“Anyone who hurts them will face the full wrath of the British Empire,” Britain said, voice firm, “I will not let anyone get away with that.”

A slight smile appeared on Scotland’s face.

“I know you will. Thank you.”

• ───────────────── •

December 8, 1777

Britain was furious.

Three days of fighting, three days of victories against the rebels, and for what? For General Howe to retreat when they had the advantage? When the end of the war and Thirteen Colonies were so close?

Next thing you knew, General Howe was going to tell them that he was surrendering to the rebels because they were too hard for him to beat!

“Crùn,” Scotland said from behind him, his voice so familiar and soothing that it pissed Britain off even more. 

“What?” Britain snapped.

“This isn’t the end of things. The war isn’t over because we didn’t capture him here,” Scotland said, speaking to Britain as if he were some wild animal that needed to be calmed, needed to be tamed.

As if Britain were the one infected with primitiveness.

“Howe is a coward. We could have ended things here,” Britain snarled. “We could have gotten back Nova Scotia and St. John’s Island. Why retreat when you have the advantage, when you are winning?”

“You know why,” Scotland answered. Britain scowled, glaring down at the reins in his hands.

“We still should have tried,” Britain said.

“And risk losing more men? General Howe made the decision he thought was best. We have low provisions, and after three days of fighting, we haven’t broken the rebel defenses. That’s not a position we can hold. I know you want this war to be over. I do, too, but…being idiots gives the rebels more of an advantage.” Scotland said. Britain looked away, knowing the older man was right.

“It still feels wrong,” he said.

“I know.” Scotland answered, “I had hoped this would be the answer to my prayers, and I would see my daughter and grandson in time for Christmas. Now, I have no idea how long it will be until I see them once more.”

“I wish he had seen sense,” Britain muttered. Scotland hummed.

“Me too.”

[taraross-1787]

This Day in History: Evacuation of Fort Mifflin

On this day in 1777, Americans evacuate Fort Mifflin. These brave soldiers had held out against the British for several weeks, giving George Washington just what he needed: time to get to Valley Forge.

British General Sir William Howe had captured Philadelphia mere weeks earlier. It was a victory that left him with a huge problem on his hands: How would he get supplies to the city? He needed to wrest control of the Delaware River from the Americans, which meant driving them from Forts Mifflin and Mercer. One such attempt was made in late October, but Americans rebuffed the attack.

Naturally, the British weren’t going to give up that easily. The story continues here: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-evacuate-fort-mifflin

[runnning-outof-time]

K! I hope you are doing well! 💗 i wanted to check up on you to ask how you've been? I have been loving your new theme its so comforting. Did you took that picture of the pretty sunset in your bg? Its so vintage, looks straight out of a cottagecore movie! 😻

Sending you much love, M. 💋

Hi M! Thanks for sending this lovely message in. 🥰 I’ve been alright - had a bit of a tough week…our cat that my family’s had for nearly 14 years passed away. It was tough to let him go, but I know he’s in a better place now.

I’m so happy you like my theme! The picture’s still the same as before - I changed the background because it was the color of the building and it was getting to be a little too much for me when I went to my blog page haha … so I pulled the green from the door on the building and quite like the calmness it brings now.

I did take the picture! It’s a place called Fort Mifflin, which was built and used during the American Revolution and stayed in service in some capacity up to WWII. I was lucky enough to be able to do a ghost hunt there a few years ago and this is one of my favorite pictures from the evening.

I hope you’re well also!! 🧡

[countyflagchampionship]

On to Round 2!

This is a wrap-up of the current standings. Polls for round 2 will be published starting this Saturday (12/16).

Congratulations to all the counties that progressed!

The state that is standing the strongest is New York, with 39 counties progressing to round 2! Albany, Allegany, Allegany, Broome, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Chemung, Chenango, Clinton, Columbia, Delaware, Franklin, Greene, Hamilton, Jefferson, Kings, Livingston, Nassau, New York, Niagara, Oneida, Orange, Otsego, Putnam, Rensselaer, Richmond, Rockland, Saint Lawrence, Saratoga, Schuyler, Steuben, Suffolk, Sullivan, Ulster, Warren, Washington, Wayne, Westchester, and Wyoming.

Next most powerful state is Virginia, which has 36 winning counties. Alleghany, Alleghany, Amherst, Augusta, Bedford, Brunswick, Caroline, Carroll, Charlotte, Chesterfield, Fairfax, Fauquier, Fluvanna, Gloucester, Goochland, Grayson, Halifax, Isle of Wight, James City, King and Queen, King George, King William, Lee, Louisa, Montgomery, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Prince Edward, Pulaski, Rockingham, Scott, Smyth, Southampton, Tazewell, Warren, and Wise.

Ohio is also standing strong with 27 advancing counties. Brown, Butler, Columbiana, Coshocton, Crawford, Defiance, Erie, Fulton, Geauga, Holmes, Jackson, Lake, Lawrence, Licking, Madison, Mahoning, Medina, Mercer, Monroe, Muskingum, Perry, Pickaway, Ross, Scioto, Seneca, Trumbull, and Van Wert.

North Carolina is up next with a solid 24 wins. Beaufort, Cabarrus, Caldwell, Camden, Carteret, Craven, Currituck, Granville, Harnett, Henderson, Hoke, Jackson, Johnson, Lenoir, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Mecklenburg, Northampton, Onslow, Person, Robeson, Tyrrell, and Wake.

Only 1 more state has over 20 counties that made won their match-ups and that's my wonderful Washington. Adams, Asotin, Chelan, Clallam, Cowlitz, Ferry, Garfield, Grant, Grays Harbor, King, Kitsap, Kittitas, Klickitat, Lewis, Pacific, Pend Oreille, Skagit, Snohomish, Thurston, Walla Walla, Whatcom, Whitman, Yakima. Stay strong my soldiers.

A much higher number of states are comfortably in the middle of the pack. They are as follows:

Texas: 19 counties. Bosque, Collin, Dallas, Denton, Fort Bend, Goliad, Hockley, Jones, Lipscomb, Live Oak, Llano, McMullen, Milam, Ochiltree, Orange, Panola, Parker, San Patricio, and Travis.

California: 17 counties. Amador, Calaveras, El Dorado, Imperial, Lake, Mariposa, Monterey, Orange, San Benito, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Solano, Tulare, Tuolumne, and Yolo.

Pennsylvania: 16 counties. Allegheny, Blair, Butler, Carbon, Dauphin, Franklin, Greene, Jefferson, Lancaster, Lycoming, Mifflin, Montgomery, Perry, Potter, Venango, and York.

Tennessee: 15 counties. Blount, Campbell, Carter, Cumberland, Hardin, Houston, Johnson, Knox, Madison, Maury, McNairy, Obion, Union, Williamson, and Wilson.

Nebraska: 13 counties. Adams, Buffalo, Cass, Cherry, Dakota, Keith, Knox, Nuckolls, Platte, Saunders, Stanton, Thayer, and Webster.

Nevada: 13 counties. Churchill, Clark, Douglas, Esmeralda, Eureka, Lander, Lincoln, Lyon, Mineral, Pershing, Storey, Washoe, and White Pine.

Illinois: 12 counties. Cook, DeKalb, Franklin, Jasper, Kane, Marion, McDonough, McHenry, Morgan, Peoria, St Clair, and Winnebago.

Maryland: 12 counties. Anne Arundel, Calvert, Carroll, Cecil, Dorchester, Frederick, Montgomery, Prince George’s, Queen Anne’s, Talbot, Washington, and Worcester.

Michigan: 12 counties. Barry, Berrien, Clinton, Genesee, Gogebic, Kalamazoo, Lake, Oceana, Ottawa, Rocommon, Sanilac, and Wexford.

Iowa: 11 counties. Dickinson, Fayette, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Humboldt, Jefferson, Jones, Polk, Pottawattamie, and Wright.

Louisiana: 11 parishes. Ascension, Bossier, Cameron, Catahoula, Concordia, Jefferson, Lincoln, Natchitoches, St Bernard, St James, and St Tammany.

New Jersey: 11 counties. Bergen, Cumberland, Essex, Middlesex, Morris, Passaic, Salem, Somerset, Sussex, Union, and Warren.

Kentucky: 10 counties. Boone, Boyle, Breckinridge, Daviess, Leslie, Logan, Pike, Shelby, Trimble, Woodford.

Many of these poor cute states are barely hanging on. Please wish them luck.

Florida: 8 counties. Alachua, Bay, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Okaloosa, Osceola, Palm Beach, and St Johns.

New Mexico: 8 counties. Colfax, Curry, Doña Ana, Lincoln, Mora, Otero, Roosevelt, and Socorro.

Georgia: 6 counties. Bartow, Cherokee, Floyd, Fulton, Pierce, and Rockdale.

Indiana: 6 counties. Benton, Elkhart, Jennings, Marion, Marshall, and Starke.

Minnesota: 6 counties. Aitkin, Clearwater, Hennepin, Hubbard, McLeod, and Pipestone.

Wisconsin: 6 counties. Calumet, Fond du Lac, Osaukee, Portage, Racine, and Sheboygan.

Wyoming: 6 counties. Big Horn, Converse, Lincoln, Natrona, Park, and Teton.

Missouri: 5 counties. Clay, Gentry, Greene, Newton, and St Louis.

South Carolina: 5 counties. Anderson, Calhoun, Dillon, Dorchester, and Lexington.

Utah: 5 counties. Beaver, Summit, Utah, Washington, and Wayne.

Alaska: 4 boroughs. Anchorage, Juneau, Matanuska-Susitna, and Wrangell.

Arkansas: 4 counties. Cross, Searcy, Washington, and White.

Colorado: 4 counties. Douglas, El Paso, Fremont, and La Plata.

Oklahoma: 4 counties. Bryan, Payne, Rogers, and Washington.

West Virginia: 4 counties. Fayette, Marion, Monongalia, and Roane.

Alabama: 3 counties. Bullock, Cleburne, and Mobile.

Arizona: 3 counties. Coconino, Maricopa, and Yavapai.

Maine: 3 counties. Androscoggin, Hancock, and Washington.

Idaho: 2 counties. Bannock and Bonner.

Kansas: 2 counties. Atchinson and Johnson.

Massachusetts: 2 counties. Barnstable and Berkshire.

Montana: 2 counties. Gallatin and Silver Bow.

North Dakota: 2 counties. Benson and LaMoure.

Some states only have 1 county that progressed. They are: Delaware (Kent County), Hawaii (Maui County), Mississippi (Adams County), New Hampshire (Hillsborough County), Oregon (Linn County), and South Dakota (Bennet County).

```

In addition to all the winning counties above, there will be 83 new county flags folded into round 2!!! (Because of math reasoning this had to happen) Get hyped

They are as follows:

Alexander NC, Allen OH, Alpena MI, Alpena MI, Alpine CA, Arapahoe CO, Ashe NC, Avery NC, Baldwin AL, Baltimore MD, Bell KY, Benzie MI, Bernalillo NM, Black Hawk IA, Brevard FL, Camden NJ, Campbell WY, Canyon ID, Centre PA, Charles City VA, Cheatham TN, Chester PA, Clark WA, Clarke VA, Cleveland OK, Cochise AZ, Columbus NC, Coweta GA, Darke OH, Davidson NC, Elko NV, Erie PA, Florence SC, Garrett MD, Goshen WY, Greene VA, Grundy IL, Gwinnett GA, Hidalgo TX, Highland OH, Hocking OH, Holt NE, Hot Springs WY, Howard MD, Huntingdon PA, Ingham MI, Island WA, Kankakee IL, Lackawanna PA, Lawrence PA, Leelanau MI, Lehigh PA, Leon FL, Liberty TX, Lucas OH, Madera CA, Mahaska IA, Manitowoc WI, McLennan TX, Meigs OH, Milwaukee WI, Nashville and Davidson TN, Northumberland VA, Orleans NY, Page VA, Porter IN, Sacramento CA, Salt Lake UT, San Diego CA, Sangamon IL, Sevier TN, Shelby TN, Skamania WA, Spotsylvania VA, Stafford VA, Sussex VA, Terrell TX, Trinity CA, Tulsa OK, Tuscarawas OH, Ventura CA, Wahkiakum WA, Yuma AZ

[save-your-raves]

The Beginning of the End: The Death and Gentrification of the Philadelphia Rave Scene Part 1: The Opinion Piece

/srs

By the owner of the “SaveYourRaves” Account.

Hello, in this document I will be discussing the ongoing issues within the Philadelphia Rave scene. From the appearance of its leading company, "thecourtyard," and its active involvement with the gentrification and outlandish pricing standards they have set across the entire scene (both of house shows and raves), controversies within the scene, the multitude of unchecked individuals with enough accusations to put Weinstein to shame, and of course the ongoing drug issue within the scene. As I talk more and more about these topics please note that I am doing my own independent research Nobody but I, and I alone have made these claims.  I do not talk or reason with those whose hands are stained with the shameful blood of greed and envy. Those who will be mentioned in this, whatever it is, will only be mentioned due to their impact on the scene whether it be minor or major. Everybody is an accomplice no matter how big or small they are. Also, note when I talk about drugs I'm talking about the issue of unsafe drugs being sold at these events, e.g. the laced ketamine and possibly cocaine ( from what I have observed some coke users at recent courtyard events are experiencing highs that are more similar to those of fentanyl) and the nonexistent security precautions they take to make sure the drugs being sold are safe. All of these things are causing the rave scene to get significantly unsafe for the poor queer people who need a safe place to have these gatherings, parties, and events while outpricing them in their own scene.

 I have gotten what I've wanted to explain out of the way. So without further ado here is what I personally believe is killing the Scene here in Philadelphia. Warning: there will be talks of Rape, Rumors of drug overdoses, and manipulation if you are sensitive to these topics please do not continue further. The previous bit of this paper you have read was formed before having a conversation with “TheCourtyard”’s leader, “DjGothQueen”, more commonly known as Dev. I have decided to make this first paper based solely on my thoughts and opinions. With that being said, the conversation I had with their owner only leads me to believe that she is disconnected from her own scene and does not grasp the issues I have tried discussing with them. Either that, or she is willfully ignorant and chooses to ignore the problem for her own benefit and rise as a “dj”.

                                  The Courtyard

Now the Courtyard has been around for about a year at this point yet somehow they are one of the biggest rave collective in the Philadelphia area. You may be asking yourself, Why is TheCourtyard the main focus of this paper? Why not even more controversial venues? Well, the reason why I'm specifically going after the Courtyard is because of the monopoly that they hold over the scene. That may sound ridiculous at first, but I am insisting that this is what they are: A Monopoly. Let's first talk about the thing I feel is the most important to get out of the way, the price gouging of tickets and the very real effects it has on the community. When the courtyard first started their ticket prices were 6$ but in under a year has jumped to a staggering 15$ for entry. Why? There have been minimal improvements to their functions. I would understand and agree with a $15 price point, that is if every rave they have hosted was like the Hello Kitty rave they hosted earlier this year. Their raves are not like the Hello Kitty rave at all. It is usually at places they do not rent out (i.e. the Fort Mifflin rave which I will get into later) and they all pale in comparison to the setup the Hello Kitty rave had. What we do have now is trespassing into abandoned spaces which are eventually overcrowded, overheated, and have a lack of ventilation/accessibility. While this is very common for raves in general, many underground venues and places while having somewhat poor conditions, will at least stick to their “re-entry” time when people coked out of their minds or drunk off their rocker, realize that the space they are in is bringing them close to a moment of heat stroke. I am by no means speaking out against the very obvious necessity of finding an abandoned space, or some community garden, however, this clear reduction of the quality of spaces should automatically make these events at most ten dollars.

After my conversation with “DJgothqueen” where they claimed the reason for their high prices is staff cost, I have come to the conclusion that what they told me was a complete lie. My friend runs the “house.show.philly” Instagram account where they were Dm'ed by someone who is associated with the Courtyard affiliate, "Grrrrlclique". She said "How do you think DIY happens? Everyone works for free." Not only does this confirm no money goes to, well at least doesn't go to the trans staff who this community is for, but also the majority of staff working these events do not get paid. Where does this money go? Well, what we know right now is that they claim it goes to a mutual aid fund “Grrrrlclique” owns. However, where does the money TheCourtyard makes without Grrrlclique go?

If no one is getting paid where does that money go to? Is it the DJs? We know for sure that at least a portion of said money does.  A talk between my friend and a DJ who performed at the really big Fort Mifflin rave which I mentioned in passing before. Only got paid 100$ for their set. An event that I had estimated made around 3,500+ dollars only paid their DJs 100$. They charged 25$ for entry I estimated around 200 people attended and I only calculated 150 people because some people could've gotten in for free. So after paying your five DJs a total of 500$ you now have 3,000 dollars remaining. Note this is from admission alone. “Djgothqueen” says that she paid out the trans staff of about the tons of medics they claim to have and their one security guard, maybe 3 working door if you want to be generous, 500 dollars.This leaves you with 2,500. Note they did NOT rent the space because you would need permission from not only the people who are in charge of Fort Mifflin but all the commissioners of the Pennsylvania Historical Society which I highly doubt would approve of this happening in a site where hundreds of people were killed, if they would deny.

So where is the rest of this money going? It's going right into the pockets of those who run the Courtyard. When I mentioned the similarities of gentrification to what the courtyard has done one of the two leaders of TheCourtyard, DJgothqueen, blatantly ignored what I was saying. When I mentioned the price gouging and how it's out-pricing poor people from coming they said "Gentrification is why we have events so far out,". They then followed it up with the issues of a police presence, however, the majority of TheCourtyard’s raves had been shut down because they did not respect the wishes of people in the neighborhood and the wishes of the police who would just tell them to turn the music down. Let me make it clear, I do not like the Philadelphia Police. The Philadelphia Police are notorious for being useless, it takes a lot for the Philadelphia police to care about something besides beating minorities and donuts something as simple as a rave.

Not only has DJgothqueen willingly ignored the critiques and criticisms of TheCourtyard’s unfair pricing and gentrification but she also ignored when I brought up the multiple rapes/assaults that were committed by venue goers and them taking zero action against it. “DJgothqueen” then claims they had some sort of "blacklist," however, I have seen many people with rape/assault accusations at these venues. One Ravegoer reported going up to someone who worked in the courtyard and telling them about an abuser at their venue. The worker then proceeded to bust out a flashlight and force the person to point out the person face to-face with the abuser. This is not how you deal with abusers in your venues you do not make someone who is already uncomfortable more uncomfortable and put them on the spot. It's very clear to me this "blacklist" has either not been updated in an extremely long time or has been simply forgotten about and neglected, or both.

Wrapping back around to the issue of pricing, an associate of Grrrlclique had these issues brought to their attention. When my friend told them that we were turned away for lack of funds (ten dollars under) they said, "You've been bitching about not getting in for free." The whole time they have not complained about not being able to get in for free they were complaining about how it's not “notaflof”. For those who do not know, “notaflof” means “No Turning Away For Lack of Funds”. And when they were told they were forced to pay the full price they said, "Whatever it's the same fucking thing." The people owning and running these events associated with TheCourtyard clearly do not care about lying on their posters and using predatory pricing practices at their raves.

Not only did both DJgothqueen and the Grrrlclique person start the dialogue off extremely or passively disrespectfully, but they constantly invalidated my friend's trans identity for having critiques on the courtyard and "not having solidarity", on top of that these critiques were not even obvious or elaborated on such as my previous ones that floated around. This “critique” was just a picture of the associate organization “Blaze Entertainment” possibly incentivizing “Djgothqueen” to gentrify things further. If that is true I do not know for a fact, but it’s very strange this organization says they have locations in every major city-state, but also are affiliated with similar groups. The Grrlclique owner had essentially called the owner of “house.show.philly” a traitor to their own transgender people.

Even at one point  Grrrlclique’s owner clearly said, "It's clear that you live in a place of self-rejection." after my friend stated they don't like most cis people. After saying all these things my friend was offered a “spot” in Grrrlclique for when they are "no longer accepted in the community because your animosity has run out." Was this a threat? Why would you say this when one of the controversies TheCourtyard is going through right now due to my briefly circulating story posts, is the unfair ostracization of those who speak out against them? It's a scare tactic. When my friend mentioned K1ssbreaker, who socially ostracized my friend and sent them into a state of psychosis almost driving them to suicide, it was simply shrugged off and ignored, just like most other rape or abuse complaints the courtyard receives. The same thing happened with my confrontation with “DJgothqueen”, I mentioned the several rape and abuser complaints they get being shoved off and they didn't even talk about it to me in their rebuttal.

Now getting into the issue of drugs, DJgothqueen has told me about the harm reduction they, have which is good, however, that is not what I was talking about to them. I was talking about the countless plugs who go to these events and sell what they have without the knowledge of TheCourtyard because TheCourtyard does not have anything set in place to prevent unsafe drugs from being sold and consumed. Now, I understand it's hard to catch everyone but again it's not hard to make a list of approved drug vendors there and have your single security guard remove people selling drugs without TheCourtyard’s prior approval. They have also claimed they have "TONS of medics," at their functions but once again I have only seen a medic one time going to their events. Their harm reduction is Narcan distribution and testing strips. I asked one of their staff how to use it and they said, "Idk just read the instructions," if this is your medical staff youre clearly not hiring the right people to work these stations. I will admit I was rude to them while talking to them and it's only because they started the dialogue in a condescending tone. It took DJgothquuen 32+ minutes to reply to what I told them deleting and restarting their rebuttal multiple times and only focusing on the issues I have mentioned which aren't even nearly as big as the other issues I have mentioned. After my rebuttal to what they said DJgothqueen simply said this conversation isn't going anywhere and I agree.

The people who run the courtyard are so disconnected from poor people that they can't fathom 15$ being expensive to a lot of people. I say this because when she talked about the pricing of these events, she put expensive in quotation marks. You cannot talk to capitalist scumbags who do not care. They are so caught within their circle jerk of each other they cannot process any form of criticism whether it be calm and collective or angry and irrational. DJgothqueen’s partner later posted, "I love how people make conspiracy theories about TheCourtyard" with an image saying, " I love misinformation" on a shirt.

Are my friends rapes conspiracies? Are the overdoses you admitted to seeing conspiracies? Is the trauma my friends and acquaintances recieve at these events a conspiracy? I will admit the parent company claim I made was purely speculation, however, it still doesn't make sense to me why you are prompting a rave company in Florida with several subsidiaries one being in Pennsylvania, and you are the only PA-based rave company talking about them. I bet once this Document is made public they will once again ignore the mentions of rape and assault. This also reminds me of how the Grrrlclique associate asked my friend why they don't go after other venues run by abusers such as city-wide. TheCourtyard doesn’t just know about CityWide, they collaborated with them. TheCourtyard collaborated with Citywide in July, this not only proves to me the Courtyard does not care about abuse in the scene, but they are willing to work with abusers even with the assumed knowledge of their abuse.

Willingly working with abusers automatically takes away your claims of operating a safe space. No one is safe when someone who preys on people in the community or more specifically trans women in the community that you claim is designed for trans women are allowed to work with you side by side with your knowledge of their abuse. I also really want to highlight them not paying their workers again. You cannot claim to be this fair venue and not pay your workers. You are no longer an ally you are a capitalist. You are the manifestation of greed. These people have complained to my friend about being poor and not having any money yet contributing the majority of their time to the venue.

Why are you mad at us for calling out the issues your venue, or one associated to you, has but not to your boss who isn't paying you? The reason I'm not including this person's name here is because I believe they are being manipulated by someone taking advantage of them. They have lured them into something that they love and have manipulated them to the point that they can only view criticism as a threat to what they love not a threat to a clearly corrupt organization.

Remember folks, your labor should always be compensated no matter what, or you get people like TheCourtyard coming in and destroying everything. You might be asking yourself, TheCourtyard is the only venue I have seen so far with 15$ entry fee surely there are others, right? Yes, other venues influenced by TheCourtyard including house show venues like “Legoland”.. Don't get me wrong, I love Legoland and the people who work at Legoland but a 15$ entry fee with assumedly zero improvements to the space is a clear sign of them following the steps of a larger monopoly (the Courtyard).  I have heard that it is possible the 15 dollar fee on them is a mistake on their artist.

However, the artist making that mistake proves that the assumption amongst people involved with the venues is that 15 dollars is the new minimum to push for. As the courtyard begins to greedflate prices at their venues others will soon follow suit making it hard and less accessible to poor/queer folk. And on the topic of accessibility, the Courtyard very rarely has accessible venues. A company making thousands an event can surely afford at least a ramp right? And not to mention the flashing lights which automatically exclude photosensitive people from these events. It's very clear they do not care about the disabled community in the rave scene but they are now beginning to not care about the poor people in the scene. All of these issues have been brought to the attention of the courtyard in the past but it's clear that there's a lack of empathy and care coming from the courtyard and its affiliates. Now, this is very much so a complex issue, and surprisingly this is only the surface of all the issues going on in this mismanaged venue. There are way more stories I have been told, experiences I have heard, and what I have seen with my own eyes happen here at these events. I will be collecting over the next month or so stories from people all over the scene about their experiences with the courtyard, if of course they are willing. I will be making sure to confirm these claims before putting them in here.

 If I am wrong about anything I will be more than happy to take accountability for any false information that may have come to my lap and I was wrong about. I am not doing this out of malice, I'm doing this to protect people in the scene from a dangerous space. I'm sick of my friends having to constantly deal with these horrible people and being ignored by these horrible people. They do not understand the influence they have over the scene at all and that is extremely dangerous. In protest, I will not be attending any rave hosted by “TheCourtyard” or any of their affiliates until someone takes accountability and fixes the issues within their mismanaged company. I ask that others will join me and only go to small Independent venues who actually care. I would advise seeking out venues that actually care for these issues, or for this community to make more spaces not affiliated with these people. Follow suit TheCourtyard or your time in the Philadelphia queer community scene will dwindle faster than a flame cast into the sea.

[chrisryanspeaks]

Astrid Sonne Announces Debut US Tour and New Album "Great Doubt"

Acclaimed Danish, London-based composer and viola player Astrid Sonne has announced her debut US tour for fall 2024. See dates and details below. Astrid Sonne has been meticulously crafting varied moods through her electronic and acoustic instrumental works throughout her celebrated discography. Her album "Great Doubt," released via Copenhagen's Escho, showcases this talent, now enhanced by the prominent use of her own vocals. Each track distinctly reflects Sonne's style, characterized by contrasts and impeccable timing. The sparse lyrics highlight different scenes and emotional states, allowing the music to convey deeper meanings. These lyrics also form an ambiguous pattern, aligned with the album's title, exploring questions of the world and love. The viola, Sonne's trusted instrument since her youth, is seamlessly integrated throughout the album. It features prominently in tracks like "Almost," with a pizzicato-driven arrangement, and "Give My All," which includes cinematic elements and paraphrases Mariah Carey's 1997 ballad. The album also ventures into woodwinds, balancing the string sections with digital brass and airy flutes. Additionally, beats and detuned piano bring fresh elements to the soundscape, demonstrating Sonne's ever-evolving musical practice. Check out “Great Doubt” below: TOUR DATES 9/22 - Philadelphia, PA @ Fort Mifflin (Making Time) 9/23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Public Records 9/26 - Chicago, IL @ Co-Prosperity Sphere 9/27 - Toronto, ON @ St Anne’s Lower Hall 9/28 - Montreal, PQ @ Pop Montreal Festival 9/29 - Saugerties, NY @ Opus 40 10/1 - Los Angeles, CA @ 2220 Arts + Archives 10/2 - San Francisco, CA @ The Lab PURCHASE HERE Read the full article

[audiofuzz]

Astrid Sonne Announces Debut US Tour and New Album "Great Doubt"

Acclaimed Danish, London-based composer and viola player Astrid Sonne has announced her debut US tour for fall 2024. See dates and details below. Astrid Sonne has been meticulously crafting varied moods through her electronic and acoustic instrumental works throughout her celebrated discography. Her album "Great Doubt," released via Copenhagen's Escho, showcases this talent, now enhanced by the prominent use of her own vocals. Each track distinctly reflects Sonne's style, characterized by contrasts and impeccable timing. The sparse lyrics highlight different scenes and emotional states, allowing the music to convey deeper meanings. These lyrics also form an ambiguous pattern, aligned with the album's title, exploring questions of the world and love. The viola, Sonne's trusted instrument since her youth, is seamlessly integrated throughout the album. It features prominently in tracks like "Almost," with a pizzicato-driven arrangement, and "Give My All," which includes cinematic elements and paraphrases Mariah Carey's 1997 ballad. The album also ventures into woodwinds, balancing the string sections with digital brass and airy flutes. Additionally, beats and detuned piano bring fresh elements to the soundscape, demonstrating Sonne's ever-evolving musical practice. Check out “Great Doubt” below: TOUR DATES 9/22 - Philadelphia, PA @ Fort Mifflin (Making Time) 9/23 - Brooklyn, NY @ Public Records 9/26 - Chicago, IL @ Co-Prosperity Sphere 9/27 - Toronto, ON @ St Anne’s Lower Hall 9/28 - Montreal, PQ @ Pop Montreal Festival 9/29 - Saugerties, NY @ Opus 40 10/1 - Los Angeles, CA @ 2220 Arts + Archives 10/2 - San Francisco, CA @ The Lab PURCHASE HERE Read the full article

[philasail]

Our historical tours are a great way to spend a few hours on the water while learning about Philadelphia and the  Delaware Waterfront. Calico Jack will regale you with tales about the various bridges, Fort Mifflin, the Navy yard, and much more. Book a historical tour today and get ready for your sailing adventure!

#boatlife #sailingtour #sailingtours #sailingphotography #sailinginstagram #sailinglife #sailboatlife #newsailboat #exploretheworld #exploretheworld #travelgram #travelphotography #travelphotographer #traveltheworld #instatravel

[suckitsurveys]

What was the last song you listened to on repeat?   Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd? by Lana Del Rey.

When was the last time you saw fireworks? 💥   New Years Eve/Day.

Out of all the community service or volunteer work you have done, what has been your favorite, and why?   Animal shelters.

Would you rather visit New York or California? Why?   I’d live to visit both places.

Do you normally eat healthy? 🥗   I try.

Which do you use more: your computer or your phone?   My phone.

Who is your favorite Disney princess?   Uhhhhhhhh I don’t really have one. Anna from Frozen has grown on me though.

Have you ever tried hard drugs?   Nothing not prescribed.

What are three of your favorite toppings for a pizza? 🍕   Pepperoni, mushrooms, and black olives.

What are three of your favorite ingredients for a salad? 🥗   Croutons, creamy garlic dressing, and cucumbers.

What color was the last hoodie you wore?   I am wearing a Dunder Mifflin hoodie right now.

Would you rather ride on a ferris wheel 🎡 or a merry-go-round? 🎠   Either.

When was the last time you went to the mall? 🛍️   Saturday.

Are you comfortable with silence?   Depends.

If you wear glasses, what color are they? 🤓 and what grade were you in when you started wearing glasses?   I have pink glittery cat eye glasses.I started wearing glasses in 5th grade? I don’t even remember.

Do you express yourself better out loud or in writing?   Writing.

What are three little things that you enjoy?   Leaving the windows opened on a warm rainy day, getting Starbucks with friends, kitties.

What was the last book you had trouble putting down? 📖   Lol.

What is one thing you are enthusiastic about?   Lots of things!

What is the best compliment you’ve ever received?   I love being complimented on my creativity.

Do you believe in miracles? ✨   Sure.

Have you ever witnessed or experienced a miracle? ✨   Sure.

What color is your favorite sweater?   Black with the Fleetwood Mac Rumors album cover.

Do you like the smell of old books? 📚   Sure.

Do you own a dreamcatcher?   No.

Have you ever made a dreamcatcher?   Yeah I think so.

What are three ways in which you are not normal?   The fuck is normal?

Would you rather be able to travel through time or through space?   Isn’t that kinda what we are already doing?

Would you rather eat Chinese food or Italian food?   Italian.

How many bracelets are you wearing right now? 📿   Zero.

Do you prefer tea or coffee? ☕️   Both.

What are three of your favorite things to do at the beach? 🏝️   Swim, lay out in the sunshine, have a picnic.

Do you sing in the shower? 🚿   Sure.

What is your favorite season, and why?   Summer. The warm weather soothes my soul and there’s just a sense of nostalgia I love.

What is your favorite musical? 🎭   Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Little Shop of Horrors, Rocky Horror, Rent.

How many people have you hugged in the past year? 🤗   I have no idea, I wasn’t counting.

Do you like hugs? 🤗   Yeah, from certain people.

When was the last time you painted something? 🎨   A couple weeks ago I painted wooden letters to make an easter craft.

What are three creative hobbies you enjoy?   Just artsy craftsy stuff.

Are you truly happy with your life right now?   Eh.

Which genre of music do you listen to the most? 🎶   I listen to a variety of stuff but mostly pop/pop punk/indie I guess?

When was the last time you lit a candle? 🕯️   Yesterday.

When was the last time you built a blanket fort?   A few months ago when my niece slept over.

When was the last time you took a relaxing bath? 🛀   A week ago.

What are three random things you are good at?   Organizing, planning parties, starting bonfires.

What types of cancer are in your family (that you know of)?   Breast cancer.

When was the last time you blew bubbles? 🫧   On easter.

What color are your eyes? 👀 Green.

[meerawrites]

Siege Weekend @ Fort Mifflin 2024 - 11/16/24

[fearsmagazine]

The GHOST ADVENTURES, the team investigates the haunted activity inside the childhood home of iconic American author JOHN STEINBECK

The Ghost Adventures crew is back! Zak Bagans, Aaron Goodwin, Billy Tolley and Jay Wasley continue their travels to haunted destinations where they meet with locals, eyewitnesses and experts in an attempt to piece together the haunted history of each site. They then begin their “lockdown” investigation, using the latest scientific gadgets and technology in an effort to obtain physical evidence of the paranormal and uncover the truth behind each haunted mystery.

Zak Bagans and Jay Wasley outside of author John Steinbeck’s former childhood home in Salinas, California, believed to be haunted by a dark presence.

New Season, Now Streaming on discovery+ and Airing Saturdays on Travel Channel

Jack Osbourne and Katrina Weidman face more hellish hauntings when PORTALS TO HELL returns with an all-new season. The intrepid paranormal investigators resume their chilling journey to haunted locations across the United States, confronting the dark side of the supernatural as they seek concrete evidence that a spirit world exists. In each episode, Osbourne and Weidman dive headfirst into a site where they examine unusual incidents of unexplained activity while utilizing specialized technology and a network of experts, including psychic mediums, in their search for answers. [Hour-long episodes]

“Savannah Theatre” – Begins Streaming Saturday, April 30 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Saturday, April 30 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel Katrina Weidman and Jack Osbourne investigate the Savannah Theatre in Savannah, Georgia, a paranormal playhouse dating back almost 200 years. And in a television first, the duo takes the stage and discovers that this theater likes to put on a horror show.

Katrina Weidman and Jack Osbourne take the stage at the historic Savannah Theatre in Savannah, Georgia, where they discover this theatre likes to put on a haunted horror show.

“Fort Mifflin” – Begins Streaming Saturday, May 7 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Saturday, May 7 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel Katrina Weidman takes Jack Osbourne to one of her favorite hotspots – Philadelphia’s Fort Mifflin, a location rife with the ghosts of wars long past. The pair peel back the layers of haunted history and discover something unexpected is stationed at the fort.

PARANORMAL CAUGHT ON CAMERA New Season, Now Streaming on discovery+ and Airing Thursdays on Travel Channel Some of the most amazing, eye-opening and downright scary paranormal videos from around the world are featured as a panel of experts break down the footage and analyze what exactly the eyewitnesses captured. Insights from some of the most knowledgeable specialists in the field and firsthand accounts from the people lucky enough – or perhaps unlucky enough – to witness these strange phenomena for themselves just might make a believer of even the biggest skeptics out there. [Hour-long episodes]

“Alabama Glitch in the Matrix and More” – Begins Streaming Thursday, April 28 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Thursday, April 28 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel A UFO shoots across the sky in the Pocono Mountains. Bigfoot hides from a crowd in Tennessee’s Great Smoky Mountains. A suspended soap bubble may be evidence of a glitch in the matrix.

“Mysterious Mountainside Lights in North Carolina and More” – Begins Streaming Thursday, May 5 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day May 5 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel Mysterious orbs light up a mountainside in North Carolina. A man in Sweden communicates with a graveyard ghost. A humanoid creature perches atop a roof in Brazil.

EXPEDITION BIGFOOT New Season, Now Streaming on discovery+ and Airing Sundays on Travel Channel

A year after devastating wildfires forced them to evacuate the Olympic Peninsula, the EXPEDITION BIGFOOT team – acclaimed primatologist Dr. Mireya Mayor and Bigfoot experts Bryce Johnson, Ronny LeBlanc and Russell Acord – return to Washington State. Encouraged by an incredible discovery from the previous expedition, the team devises a new plan to rouse a Bigfoot from hiding and prove these elusive creatures are not a myth but a reality. [Hour-long episodes]

“Where the Legend Began” – Begins Streaming Sunday, May 1 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Sunday, May 1 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel The team has a truly shocking sighting, only to see their best lead yet lead slip through their fingers. But a groundbreaking tip leads Bryce Johnson to wrap up their expedition in Washington State and relocate to a new Bigfoot hot spot.

“Sounds of Terror” – Begins Streaming Sunday, May 8 on discovery+ New Episode Also Premieres Same Day Sunday, May 8 at 10 p.m. ET/PT on Travel Channel At their new base camp in California, the team records a howl unlike anything they've heard before. Later, Bryce Johnson learns of a potential Bigfoot coverup by the U.S. government. And Russell Acord, Ronny Le Blanc and Mireya Mayor come face-to-face with danger while on a night hunt.

[taraross-1787]

TWIH: Failed British Attack on Ft. Mifflin

During this week in 1777, the British try to drive Americans away from Fort Mifflin. They failed. Americans held their own against six British warships!

General Howe was then in Philadelphia, close to the Delaware River. The British had seized the American capital on September 26. It should have been a huge victory for Howe, but it wasn’t exactly working out that way. He had one big problem on his hands: How would he get supplies?

Overland routes to the city were not feasible because George Washington’s army still had control of much of the land around Philadelphia. Instead, Howe needed to find a way to wrest control of the Delaware from Americans. That meant driving them out of the forts that they held along the river—but especially Forts Mifflin and Mercer! The story continues here: https://www.taraross.com/post/tdih-fort-mifflin

[runnning-outof-time]

Gorgeous new theme, hun! Did you capture that sunset 😍?

Thanks so much, Brummie!! 🥹🥹 here’s hoping it stays for more than a few weeks (unlike the last one) 🙊

I did take that picture! It was one of the buildings at a place called Fort Mifflin, which was built during the American Revolution, but also got utilized during other American wars up to WWII … it was certainly a place filled with history!

I got to see this amazing sunset because I actually had the chance to do a ghost hunt on the grounds - we didn’t catch anything mindblowing, but it was still fun nontheless.

[we-continental-soldiers]

Joseph: hey mod?

Mod: yes Plumb?

Joseph: …can I… am I allowed to… well… MUD ISLAND WAS HELL! Remember Fort Mifflin! We did all we could to defend it! To keep the British out and away from Philadelphia but damnit… we just couldn’t do enough! And no one remembers! We suffered… lost good men… boys… lived and fought and suffered and died in cold mud…

Mod: …Joseph?

Joseph; I’m fine. I’m done now. I just needed a moment. Aye, I’m late but I needed a moment. *dusts off coat.* right well… good day to you all. *walks off*